I think you will agree with me that tofu is rather a tasteless ingredient and it does not appeal to most of us. It turns out that you can enjoy tofu meals nowadays as it can be marinated with different sauces and spices and it suits different cooking methods too. It gets more interesting when you can actually make your tofu taste better with a tofu press. Tofu is an extremely healthy superfood, and research has shown that it brings a plethora of different health benefits.
A tofu press or tofu maker is a kitchen tool that helps to remove water from the tofu to improve the texture and dressing absorption of the tofu. This is particularly useful when you are dealing with commercially manufactured tofu. This is because the commercial tofu usually comes with certain level of moisture content. When the tofu is pressed, you will find it easier when you plan to fry it.
Coming in both plate style and bowl style, you can also use the press to make your handcrafted tofu. Let’s read on to find out how you can make homemade tofu.
Table of Contents
Although the process of making tofu or bean curd is rather time consuming, we assure you that the satisfaction you gain will be way much beyond from the effort you pour in. First, soak 1.5 pounds of dried soybeans in a large container covered with water overnight. After that, drain the water and rinse the beans. Moving to the next step, you need a food processor to blend the soybeans with plenty of water. Get a great food processor if you haven’t got any. It will come in handy when you are preparing other ingredients too.
Next, pour and boil the mixture in a large saucepan along with 7 cups of cold water for 15 minutes. Then, filter out the soy pulp from the mixture by using a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Remember to put a large bowl under the sieve to get the soy milk. Heat the soy milk again until 176°F -185°F.
After removing the soy milk from the stove top, you can add into a mixture of 0.5 litre of cold water and 2 tablespoons of nigari (salt solution) into the soy milk. Mind that you need to stir the soy milk while adding in the solution. Leave it for 15 minutes and separate the soy curd from its liquid with a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Place the curd along with the cheesecloth into the tofu press to remove the remaining liquid in the tofu curd. Keep it the fridge for a few hours and your tofu will be ready for any recipes.
Now, let’s venture into the best selections of tofu presses. No doubts for these products as they will give you the best tofu you have ever had in your life.
Key features
You do not need to spend much on your budget to get the best economical tofu press – the EZ Tofu Press. Simply press the tofu for 15 minutes or less to remove water from the tofu. You can then prepare tofu meals with better flavor and texture as what you marinate in your tofu will absorb the flavor way much better!
Instead using the springs and elastic bands, this press features tension knob. You can apply tension every 2 to 3 minutes to gradually remove water from the tofu block. On top of this, you can enjoy even pressing with the centering marks on the bottom press plate. By placing your tofu block properly before pressing, this press works well with both small and big tofu blocks. To further enhance the pressing process, the top plate of the presser features the stainless steel grommets. You will be able to press the tofu smoothly and prevent the plastic from getting into the tofu.
Cleaning is a breeze as this presser can be cleaned with dishwasher and hand washing. With its functionality and affordable pricing, there’s no excuse for you to say ‘No’ to the EZ Tofu Press.
Key features
If you are looking for the best all-in-one tofu press, then you should really consider the YARKOR Tofu Press. This tofu press is the only solution you need as it is built with powerful spring to remove the water from the tofu between 15 to 30 minutes. Instead of exerting pressure for these 30 minutes, you simply need to place the lid on top of the tofu to remove the water. Get yourself busy with other work and come back to see the tofu ready to work with other new flavors.
Other than that, it also comes with drainage holes and water collecting tray to collect the excess water removed from the tofu. You will be guaranteed with mess-free tofu pressing experience. This presser is safe to use as it is constructed from 100% BPA-free, food-grade ingredients.
Having much confidence in their product, the manufacturer offers 100% money-back guarantee for 30 days if you are not satisfied with the presser. So, get yourself an effortless and effective tofu making experience with the YARKOR Tofu Press.
Key features
As we are equally concerned about the environment sustainability as you do, here’s the best environmental-friendly tofu press – Kimono Kitchen Bamboo Tofu Press. Constructed from bamboo boards and food grade stainless steel hardware, you can be well-assured that food contamination will not occur with this tofu press. The bamboo boards also enable you to press your tofu again and again without bending.
The tofu press is user-friendly too as you can remove water from the tofu easily and evenly in 6 to 15 minutes. Simply unscrew the press to insert your tofu block between the two boards in the center of the press, then tighten the knob. With the sufficient amount of resistance, you will see water starts to squeeze out from the tofu. For more efficient work, you can stand your tofu maker on its side and tighten the knob every 3 minutes for 6-15 minutes until you get your tofu with desired thickness and dryness.
As a versatile tool, this tofu maker is suitable for pressing standard, large, and small tofu block sizes. Get the Kimono Kitchen Bamboo Tofu Press for your firmer and denser tofu blocks. You will feel the difference as your tofu is set for better flavor and texture.
Key features
Having big hands that make you think that tofu press is too small to function? Then, you should not miss out the best plastic tofu press – the Healthy Express Tofu Press. Built from FDA approved plastic, this tofu press is food-safe and BPA free. The stainless-steel hardware should not be your worry as it is made in the USA. As mentioned above, this tofu press is certainly suitable for your big hands it features extra large knobs for easier turning.
Looking into its prime feature, this bean curd press is built with two curved plates. Unlike the other flat plates, these curved plates will straighten out once you start pressing our tofu. However, there is still possibility of uneven pressing if you do not place your tofu correctly. Ranging from 15-60 minutes, you will get your tofu ready to absorb the marinades, spices, and flavors of any other ingredients.
This tofu press is easy to use as you can insert your tofu blocks easily with its two springs that hold the plates apart. Cleaning is hassle free as you can directly put your whole bean curd press in the dishwasher. Having a recipe book as a complimentary gift for the users, you will have every tofu meal you create as an adventure!
Offering a full 1-year 5-star guarantee, you can get full refund or product replacement if you are not happy with your purchase. So, be sure to get the Healthy Express Tofu Press for more tofus with great texture and better flavor absorption.
Key features:
You deserve to pamper yourself with this best splurge-worthy tofu press – the Raw Rutes Tofu Press. If you are in favor of making your own tofu, this tofu press is surely our ideal choice as it does not only serve to remove water from the tofu. By lining the presser with a cheesecloth, you are on the track to make your own tofu with soybeans or soy milk. You can even craft homemade paneer cheese with the bean curd press.
As for its design, this tofu press comes with 2 vibrant concepts – the Ninja and the Sumo. Striking as a straight shooter, the Ninja model comes with sleek sides and a black knob. The Sumo model comes with a laser cut design on the sides and a vibrant red knob. On top of this, you do not need to be cautious about our pressing power as it comes with pressing weight over 5lbs. Simply place the tofu in the frame and place the weight on top for your tofu making experience. Press as hard as you wish as this tofu maker is constructed with no springs, screws rubber bands or screws.
Built to be long-lasting, this tofu press is made of sturdy stainless steel with 40% recycled content. The manufacturer guarantees that each piece is cut, weld, grind and buffed to the prefect state of Zen. We assure you that this will certainly be the last tofu press you will ever need to spend your money on.
Key features
We truly understand that the need to get a product that serves you in multiple ways. Here’s the most versatile tofu press, the Country Trading Co. Tofu Press. This tofu press simply does not only remove water from your tofu, it serves you too in making tofu, sushi, musubi squares and even vegan cheese. Featuring a double pressing block, you can press up to 3lbs of tofu in a single batch. Aiming for easy functioning, just add weights to the lid and leave it for 30-60 minutes. No screws or springs needed during the process.
If you are a Japanese food maniac, this bean curd press will amaze you more. No more mats or rolling for your bento box lunch treats as you can line this bamboo box with the sushi rice cake, nori and any other filling layers. Then, simply press with the weighed lid and your musubi is ready to be taken away as your lunch. On the other hand, you can also make handcrafted paneer cheese and other vegan-friendly ingredients such as tofu, soy curd, soy yogurt and vegan flavored cheese with the tofu press. After using, you can clean the tofu press easily in the hot soapy water.
Being able to hold up to 4 quarts of unpressed curds, the Country Trading Co. Tofu Press comes with money back guarantee too. Purchase this product and get an electronic recipe book to make your favourite tofu,sushi, paneer feta and halloumi.
Check out our detailed review on the best food steamer to prepare your mouth-watering steamed tofu.
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Key features:
The DIY Wooden Tofu Press suits you perfectly if you are living alone. Set up your little DIY kitchen with this tofu press as it easy to use and convenient to operate at home. Besides removing water from your small tofu blocks, you can also use this as a mold to make your tofu, cheese and soybean curd.
Constructed from environmentally friendly and healthy material, this tofu press comes with a solid wood design. It also features a knob for effective pressing of your ingredients. Experiment with the DIY Wooden Tofu Press for your homemade meals, even when you are living alone.
Key features
We are sure that you will fall for this best compact tofu press – the tofu press from That Tofu Thing for its sleek design and functionality. Constructed from the top quality engineering plastics, this tofu press allow you to remove the water from your tofu in 15 minutes. To further enhance the water removing process, the tofu press features the lattice panels. This allows the maximum amount of open space to get the water to escape from six sides of the tofu blocks! So, you do not need to marinade your tofu overnight for your next day meal. With this tofu press, your tofu marinades thoroughly in no time.
Looking into the control of the tofu press, you can hold the block with one hand and press with the other with its single-screw design. The dual orientation design allows both draining the tofu vertically in the sink or horizontally.
Full refund is available with the tofu press from That Tofu Thing if you are not satisfied with the product. Grab this great money bargain that serves you tofu that’s packed with flavor and satisfying texture.
Key features
We are more excited to guide you into the best budget pick tofu press – the Mangocore 3Pcs Plastic Tofu Press Mould Kit. Consisting of a tofu pressing mold and a tofu cloth, this tofu press is a specialized design for you and your loved ones who like to eat tofu. You can be well-assured that the product is safe to use as it is made of food grade plastic. It is built to last without any odour or harm towards the environment and our health.
For the making tofu process, you can first lay off the tofu cloth diagonally on the cover so that the cloth is attached to the inner wall of the lid and the bottom. You can then scoop a spoonful of soybean curd into the tofu cloth. Tighten the cloth to keep the tofu curd fixed in shape. Apply pressure on the tofu curd to remove the water. After that, you should the drain out the water before opening the tofu cloth to see your homemade tofu.
As easy as it is, you can refer more online tutorials on making your delicious tofu. After using, you can clean the bean curd press in the dishwasher. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this Mangocore 3Pcs Plastic Tofu Press Mould Kit to embark on your tofu making and pressing journey.
Key features
Gaining highly positive user review, the Yamako Tofu Maker Kit is certainly your ideal choice for a tofu press that comes with everything you need to make tofu. Featuring a tofu box/press, a tofu press cloth bag, a sheet cloth and Nigari liquid, this tofu press will make you tofu that is guaranteed in terms of texture and freshness.
Constructed from 100% natural Hinoki wood (Japanese Cypress), the 6.5″ x 5.5″ x 4″ tofu box is sturdy and durable. It also comes with a lid that can be used as a press to make tofu. Looking into the nigari liquid, it is extracted and processed from sea water. If you need more nigari liquid, the oriental food section in a supermarket is the perfect place to get it.
With the Yamako Tofu Maker Kit, you will feel at ease to make tofu from scratch as it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
As we are in the process of evaluating the best tofu presses among a huge varieties of options available in the market, we have focused on these essential factors. You can take this as a guideline or reference during your purchase of a tofu press. First, we look into whether the tofu press is user-friendly or not. An efficient tofu press should comes with mechanism that is easy to operate and it is able to press an entire tofu block. It should be easily cleaned too. You can also look for tofu press that offers other functions such as making tofu, cheese, sushi and other many more.
Moreover, you can research on the tofu press models that you prefer. As mentioned before, a tofu press comes with the plate style and the box style. A plate style tofu press is usually easy to use and it is more affordable. It can be used to make tofu too. However, you need to tighten the knob often during the tofu pressing process. On the other hand, the box style tofu press uses the spring-loaded or heavily weighted plate to press the water out. You can use the box tofu press to marinate your tofu too. The limitation of a box tofu press lies in its inflexibility to different tofu sizes and shapes.
Conclusion
Whether you are taking commercial tofu or homemade tofu, we highly recommend you to get a tofu press for your kitchen collection. As you might have used tissues or other alternatives throughout your life, we aim to offer you a better and more convenient method of handling your ingredients. This kitchen tool is surely a good value for money ratio for you, especially if you are practicing a vegan diet.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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